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Water breaking: Understand this sign of labor

After my water breaks, when will labor begin?

Typically, after your water breaks at term, labor soon follows — if it hasn't already begun.

Sometimes, however, there's a delay. If you experience premature rupture of membranes, your doctor might stimulate uterine contractions before labor begins on its own (labor induction). The longer it takes for labor to start after your water breaks, the greater the risk of you or your baby developing an infection.